Latest release in the Pearson API programme, Plug & Play, marks its first birthday and makes it possible for developers to mash-up world class content into even more new, innovative apps and services

Penguin Classics API includes works by Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, and the Brontë sisters – enabling developers to build new apps from the work of renowned authors

dkimages API makes the professional collection of over 90,000 images accessible for developers to search, browse and purchase for inclusion in apps

Pearson announces the release of two new data sets on the first birthday of its API programme, giving developers access to world class content from DK and Penguin. The dkimages API consists of a library of 90,000 images, while the Penguin Classics API includes 48 well-known titles, providing a wealth of image and literary content to inspire developer creativity. Available through Plug & Play, Pearson’s API platform, the two data sets present exciting opportunities for developers to create new and innovative apps and services.

The Penguin Classic API makes content from 31 authors and works including “David Copperfield”, “Emma” and “Melmoth the Wanderer” available. Developers can explore the work of authors such as Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Anne Brontë, Charlotte Brontë and Thomas Hardy, creating new apps and experiences from these well-known books.

90,000 professional images are at a developer’s fingertips, thanks to the dkimages API. The collection includes the iconic ‘on white’ DK imagery as well as ‘in-situ’ stock photography across 11 different categories, such as Science and Nature, Human Body and Health, Travel and Lifestyle1. The content is an expansive resource to help developers illustrate their work and create new informative apps. Developers can search or browse the collection by subject before purchasing the images they wish to use.

Diana Stepner, Head of Future Technologies at Pearson, commented on the launch of these two data sets: “We are really looking forward to seeing how the developer community responds to the release of these two incredible dkimages and Penguin Classics collections into the Pearson API, Plug & Play programme. Both data sets have been frequently requested by developers and on the first birthday of Plug & Play, we’re again excited to see what fantastic new apps and services developers had in mind.”

The new APIs join six other data sets which have been released since Plug & Play was launched in September 2011. To coincide with the year anniversary, the Plug & Play site, developer.pearson.com, has been updated. The revised homepage layout makes it easier than ever for developers to begin using APIs right away. The new design also more prominently promotes the work of developers and shares the latest news from the Plug & Play team and events.

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About Pearson

Pearson is the world’s leading learning company, providing educational materials and services, business information through the Financial Times Group, and consumer publishing through the Penguin brand. Pearson serves learners of all ages around the globe, employing 41,000 people in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.pearson.com.

[1] The full categories of available images are: Business and Education, Science and Nature, Plants and Animals, Human Body and Health, Food and Drink, Travel and Lifestyle, Hobbies and Crafts, Dinosaurs and Prehistoric, Sport and Leisure, Pregnancy and Parenting, History and Geography